Agenda Item
a. Renewal: Second Step Social Emotional Learning (SEL) Digital Program (Not to exceed $313,821.90)
Summary: Presented by: Kishia K. Towns, Ph.D., Chief of Wrap Around Services, Division of Wrap Around Services
Request: It is requested that the DeKalb County Board of Education approve the renewal to purchase, for one additional year, the Second Step Social Emotional Learning (SEL) Digital Program for the 2026-2027 school year for an amount not to exceed $313,821.90.
Why: Second Step is a comprehensive, classroom-based social skills program designed for students ages 4-14, spanning preschool through middle school. The curriculum is tailored for each grade level and focuses on reducing impulsive, high-risk, and aggressive behaviors while strengthening essential social-emotional competencies. Its core objectives include developing students’ self-regulation, empathy, problem-solving abilities, and overall social-emotional skills. By intentionally building these competencies, the Second Step curriculum supports a positive school climate and culture, contributing to students’ overall well-being, readiness to learn, and long-term success.
Details: Second Step® Elementary Digital (Grades K-5)
• Twenty (20) research-based lessons, taught once per week for 15- to 25-minutes at each grade level.
• Divided into four (4) units: Growth Mindset & Goal Setting, Emotion Management, Empathy & Kindness, and Problem-Solving. DeKalb also uses the optional Bullying and Child Protection (Erin’s Law) Units.
• Eighteen (18) targeted Tier 2 small group lessons.
• Tier 3 resources.
• Assessment Toolkit: Optional, easy-to-use universal screen, teacher referral rubric, and implementation guidance to help educators identify students in need of additional support.
• Interactive and engaging content includes videos, stories, new Brain Builder games, songs, and more.
• Aligned with Georgia ELL and Social Studies Standards
• Program training and school-wide implementation support resources are included.
Second Step® Middle School (Grades 6-8)
• Twenty-six (26) research-based and highly engaging lessons for each distinct grade level.
• Taught once per week, 25-minute interactive lessons include videos and game-like activities.
• Lessons are divided into four (4) units: Mindsets and Goals; Developing a Positive Sense of Self; Thoughts, Emotions, and Decisions; and Managing Relationships & Social Conflict & Recognizing Bullying & Harassment (optional unit DeKalb uses)
• Aligns with Georgia ELL and Social Studies Standards.
• Real Voices videos feature a diverse set of unscripted interviews with students from around U.S.
• Eighteen (18) targeted Tier 2 small group lessons.
• Tier 3 resources.
• Assessment Toolkit: Optional, easy-to-use pre-screeners and implementation guidance to help educators identify students in need of additional support
• Reinforcing content is built-in with 200 engaging 10-to-15-minute advisory activities.
• ParenTeen Connect - both in advisory materials for students and as an at-home family engagement resource featuring candid videos and guidance by leading experts on topics like communication, independence, responsibility and screen time.
• Program training and school-wide implementation support resources are included.
Financial impact: The total not-to-exceed budget of $313,821.90 for the 1-year license renewal will be purchased using funds from the Purchased Professional/Technical Services account code: 100.1000.553200.03111.7370.9990.8010.090.0000.
Contact: Kishia K. Towns, Ph.D., Chief of Wrap Around Services, Division of Wrap Around Services, 678.676.1811
Dr. Shannon Crosslin, Senior Counseling Coordinator & Student Advancement, Division of Wrap Around Services, 404.808.8942
Effective: 08/01/2026
Status: Approved by the Office of Legal Affairs
Second Step Curriculum Chronology
Date Renewal Type Description Amount
Dec 12, 2022 Renewal Year Committee for Children – Second Step $203,050.80
Apr 2023 Renewal Second Step SEL Digital Program ≤ $206,811
May 6, 2024 Renewal Second Step SEL Digital Program ≤ $235,000
Aug 28, 2025 Renewal Second Step SEL Program ≤ $275,372
The DeKalb County School District utilized the Second Step Social-Emotional Learning Curriculum to deliver
social-emotional learning (SEL) lessons that support a positive school climate and strengthen students’ social-emotional
skills. Through this curriculum, students learned to understand and manage their emotions, build healthy relationships,
and make responsible decisions—equipping them to successfully navigate their feelings, interactions, and roles as
productive members of the school community and society.